Commun ty Matters Topeka Presbyterian Manor
June 2015
4 myths about aging, debunked By Pamela Blair for Next Avenue
The attitude that surrounds us is that old age in its most problematic sense starts somewhere between 50 or 60. Why is this? Perhaps we still buy into some outdated myths that life after 50 is the beginning of our decline. Living passionately and well, however, doesn’t stop at a certain point in one’s life followed by the destructive forces of aging. To age successfully, we need to be aware of the newer and older myths about aging that our current culture holds true. Here are four examples of the myths I’ve heard and what I know to be true: #1 Myth: Older women are depressed and lonely. Truth: Depending on circumstances, we may get sad and lonely from time to time, but the research shows that the least lonely and depressed women are over 75. #2 Myth: Older women are less successful in new pursuits. Truth: Some of the best and brightest women, though past the half-century mark in years, are still climbing the ladder of success in the world. MYTHS, continued on page 2
Resident Betty Couch recalls life on the road For 10 years, Topeka Presbyterian Manor resident Betty Couch, her husband, Robert, and their dog traveled across the country in their 30foot coachman motorhome in search of new sites and warmer winters. Betty’s cousin, resident Kathryn Planz, traveled with them. “At first we drove from Central Canada to the west coast and were gone for 33 days,” said Betty. “The second trip was up through New Hampshire and New England for three weeks. For two winters we went to Texas, but for eight or 10 winters we went to Casa Grande, Arizona the first of December and stayed until mid-April. We thoroughly enjoyed it.” For Betty, there were many things to enjoy about camping with the motorhome. “You didn’t have to stay in motels and carry your luggage in and out, it was all right there. The kitchen area had a dinette. The table and cushions lowered and made into a bed for when we had grandkids with us. We had twin beds in the back, and as lazy as I was, I even had sleeping bags instead of blankets. They were just as warm as could be!” Robert, who passed away eight years ago, was disabled but could drive the motorhome with hand controls until the last two years that they owned the RV. Then Betty took to the wheel. Was it hard to drive? BETTY, continued on page 2